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Dietary Supplements

What are dietary supplements?

• Dietary supplements are products that people add to their diets. They include vitamins, minerals, herbs, and amino acids.
• They can be pills, liquids, or powders.
• By law, companies that make these products cannot claim they prevent, treat, or cure disease. For example, a product cannot claim that it can "cure cancer" or "help you lose weight."

Can dietary supplements be taken instead of eating certain foods? No.

• Don't take supplements instead of eating healthy foods.
• Some dietary supplements may help some people get enough essential nutrients to improve their diets and be in their best health.
• If you are having surgery, taking other supplements or medicines, or have health problems dietary supplements may be harmful.

Should I check with my doctor before using a supplement? Yes.

• Dietary supplements should not be used instead of prescription medicine.
• If you have health problems and take these products, you may put yourself at risk.
• Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you:
  • are pregnant or nursing a baby
  • take other supplements or medicines
  • are having surgery
  • have diabetes
  • have high blood pressure
  • have any other health problems

Is it safe to take dietary supplements with other medicines?

• Always talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before you take any dietary supplement.
• These products may have risks. They could be harmful or life threatening if:
  • You are also taking other dietary supplements
  • You are also taking other prescription or over-the-counter medicines
  • You use them instead of medicine that your doctor prescribes

How are dietary supplements regulated?

Dietary Supplement regulations are similar to food regulations. This means:

• The FDA does not approve dietary supplements before they are sold.
• FDA can only take action against products that are not safe or products that make false claims after they are for sale.

Where can I learn more about a certain product?

• Call or write to the company that makes the product.
• Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

How do I report a problem or illness caused by one of these products?

• Call 1-800-FDA-1088
• Go to the Medwatch website at: http://www.fda.gov/medwatch/report/consumer/consumer.htm

Tips on searching the web for information on supplements

Ask yourself these questions:

• Who runs the web site?
• What is the web site trying to do? Is it telling you about the product or just trying to sell it?
• Where does the web site get its information? Are there studies that back it up?
• Is the information up to date? Check the date to see when it was posted or updated.

August 2005

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FDA Office of Women's Health